PHOTO STORY

assessment criteria

Description

The purpose of a Photo Story (3-5 Photographs) is to tell a story through a series of photographs to help the viewer better understand environmental issues, events, or phenomena. All photos must be original  aiming to tell a truthful and accurate story through a series of candid photographs i.e., not be posed or manipulated.

Format & Structure

  • A maximum of 3 to 5 photographs must be submitted to the National Operator in .JPEG or .PNG format with a resolution of no less than 150-300 DPI.  

  • Must have a title of no more than 140 characters. 

  • Must have a description of no more than 100 words. Each photograph must have a caption of no more than 20 words.  

  • The description and captions should explain the environmental link and/or solutions to issue shown in the photos 

  • Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, color, sharpness, and subject. 


Honest & Unbiased Reporting

  • The photograph is a fair and truthful representation of reality, and the subject and/or scene has not been manipulated, altered or include AI. Basic editorial alterations to photos (e.g.  colour, contrast, definition, shadows, highlights, cropping, levelling, etc.) are permissible, if these alternations do NOT alter the reality of the subject or object of the photo. 

  • Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.  

  • Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources. 

  • Sources used in the description and/or caption must be cited using footnotes and a ‘References’ list.  

    Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article, but also its credibility.


Constructive & Well-Rounded Perspective

  • Photographs should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.  

  • The photographs and/or description/captions should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.  

  • The description and/or captions should include relevant and feasible solutions to environmental issues presented in the photos. 


Originality & Independence

  • The photograph is original in subject and/or scope. The photographer has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.  

  • The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research for the photo story outside of their school grounds. 


Dissemination

A total of 5 points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels: 

  • Personal Sphere = 1 Point 

  • School Community = 1 Point 

  • National Operator Organization = 1 Point 

  • National Media (Newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 Points 

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the photographs and published on Exposure below the Photo Story.

NOTES

Use of any form of AI, excessive photo editing will not be accepted in this category. Points should be deducted should the use of AI be detected.

An individual photo included in a Photo Story entry could addition be considered by the International Jury for the ‘Photo of the Year’ Award.

**Note for National Operators: 1 entry allowed to be submitted for the International Competition, regardless of the age.